Hypertension Treatments

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a health condition that can only be managed and not fully treated. If the hypertension is caused due to an underlying condition, then treatment of underlying condition can treat hypertension as well. There are a lot of methods to maintain blood pressure to a healthy range, and avoid dangerous consequences of hypertension.

Lifestyle Choices

The best way to manage hypertension is through good lifestyle choices. A healthy diet with less sodium levels and more fibres can help maintain blood pressure. Giving up on unhealthy choices such as binge drinking and smoking can also improve high blood pressure levels and bring them down to normal range. However, sometimes life style choices are not enough, and additional treatments may be required to keep the blood pressure in control.

Medication

There are a lot of medicines available for treatment of hypertension, and can be classified into different categories. Based on individual conditions, physicians might prefer one treatment over the other. Generally, these medicines fall under following groups.

ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are termed as Angiotensin-Converting Enzymes. Angiotensin is a hormone responsible for release of aldosterone and narrowing blood vessels. ACE Inhibitors target this hormone and help stop the narrowing of blood vessels improving blood pressure levels.

Aldosterone Antagonists

Aldosterone is a hormone that is responsible for increase in blood pressure by increasing fluid and sodium retention in the body. Aldosterone antagonists block this hormone and contribute to high blood pressure regulation.

Alpha Blockers

Alpha blockers work on nerve impulses to improve blood pressure levels. Before any chemical or hormone is released, a nerve impulse must give it permission to release. Alpha blockers stop these nerve signals stopping release of responsible chemicals altogether.

Alpha-Beta Blockers

Alpha-beta blockers slow down the heart rate, eventually reducing the amount of blood being pumped in the body. The reduction in blood flow reduces overall blood pressure.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Also known as ARBs, they help in blood vessel relaxation, working similar as the ACE inhibitors. While ACE inhibitors target angiotensin by blocking the production of angiotensin altogether, ARBs allow the production of angiotensin, but block its function.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers work on reagents in the blood vessels that are responsible for contracting the vessels. Beta blockers can help lower the blood pressure levels by opening up the blood vessels and improving blood flow overall.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers help relax the cardiovascular and skeletal muscles in the body. The relaxation of muscles helps the heart to work at a slower rate, helping reduce overall blood pressure. These blockers are very helpful for people older than 60 years of age.

Central-Acting Agents

Central acting agents work on a nervous system level and stop the brain from sending signals to cardiovascular system for narrowing blood vessels and increasing heart rate under any condition.

Diuretic Medicines

Diuretic medicines can help filter out levels of unhealthy chemicals and sodium from the body. This in return reduces the volume of blood in the body lowering down hypertensive levels.

Vasodilators

Vasodilators are very commonly prescribed to patients with high blood pressure, and they work at lowering hypertensive condition by dilating the blood vessels in the body.

Alternative Medicines

While medicines are used mostly for blood pressure control, people often consider alternative medicines. These alternatives are often health supplements that can help regulate hypertension. However, these medicines are not recommended for patients with severe hypertension cases.

Consumption of fibres, such as bran and psyllium husks

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements such as fish oil and flaxseeds

Natural vasodilators such as garlic, arginine and cocoa

Mineral supplements such as potassium and magnesium

People also look up to meditation and yoga techniques for hypertension treatment. While it is not unhealthy to follow these treatments, it is always best to seek medical advice before starting any treatment.

Conditions A–Z

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Prescription fees

Prescription fees enable our qualified doctors to issue you a prescription for your medication, just like if you visit your local pharmacy. Instead of a high flat rate like the NHS, we offer cheaper fees based on the total cost of your order.